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Court orders release of Sowore from DSS prison
A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the release of the convener of the ‘RevolutionNow’, Omoyele Sowore, from the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who presided over the matter, had said that there was no extant order allowing Sowore’s further detention before the court.
For planning a nationwide protest themed ‘RevolutionNo’, the DSS had to on August 3 arrested Sowore.
It later went to court and obtained an order to keep the activist in its custody for 45 days.
Just a day to the expiration of the 45 days, DSS filed seven count charges bordering on treasonable felony and money laundering against the journalist and activist.
When the matter came up today (Tuesday), Justice Taiwo, after listening to the argument of Sowore’s lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) and the prosecuting counsel, ordered for the immediate release of the detained publisher of Sahara Reporters.
The court meanwhile said that Sowore must deposit his international passport within 48 hours after his release as part of his bail conditions.
It also ordered his counsel, Falana, to produce Sowore in court as soon as he’s been notified of the charge against him.
Read also: APC has compounded Nigeria’s woes –Afenifere chieftain Adebanjo
He had while ordering for Sowore’s release said that the law provides for the freedom of all Nigerians regardless of economic or political status.
“The order of the court has expired. It has not been renewed and cannot be renewed given the motion ex-parte earlier withdrawn.
“The liberty of all Nigerians high or low, poor or rich is guaranteed by the constitution. It’s for this end that I’m of the view that the defendant ought to be released forthwith,” he said.
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